Enso, I'm not a fish and chips aficionado, but I had really really good fish and chips at the Irish fair last weekend from the booth by The Local. I've never actually been to The Local itself, but I'd say it's worth a try based on their fair fare!

Good to know that it's gotten better. I remember the batter as being more of a grease-encrusted shell, so I never went back. It's easy to miss places that get better (or worse) if you don't try them again periodically. That's one of the nice things about CH.

Agree with Kieran's. And Keegan's has that distinctly frozen, boxed, bought-it-at-Costco texture to the crust. The only reason I hang at Keegan's is for the Sunday night folkies, the Smithyck's, and I can walk home.

Not me and at least in the UK you don't. Heck, the best Guiness I've ever had was Guiness Extra Cold...I wish they had it in the US. Perhaps the Irish drink it warm...that's just not appealing. I can't stand Jameson either. ;)

the guinness served at the end of the guinness brewery tour in dublin was very cold, served by a tiny, ancient female bartender and placed on a white marble bar several inches thick. what really surprised me was that it didn't come in pints, imperial or otherwise-- she used little footed beer glasses, like stouter hurricane glasses, if you can picture it. different thread for sure if i keep on about it.

Nope, the Po' Boys are different. The fried fish sandwich features a light white fish - you don't get to choose - and the Po' Boys are available with a choice of filling (catfish, oysters, and something else).

Hmmm... I checked their menu, and I don't see "Fried Fish Sandwich". Maybe it's the Alaskan Fish sandwich. But you can't lose with any of their fish sandwiches.

I personally haven't been as thrilled by Mac's since they stopped using halibut and raised their prices. Have they gone back to the halibut recently? Plus, I think the OP was specifically looking for an alternative to Mac's--a place closer to home for home.

TDQ - I was at Mac's a few weeks ago - no, they did not return to Habilut - BUT, despite the fact that I prefer halibut to haddock or cod - Mac's is still a no-frills good fish joint. We also got the shrimp n' chips - it was 6 butterflied shrimp. I really do like the batter - feels more tempura style-light, but still crunchy and satisfying. I personally get the fish sandwich - and though I am a die-hard french fry fan - I just cannot get into Mac's. So, while I think the fish as fried is better at mac's - if you want the whole package - I'd stay with the Local or other Irish joints. By the way, this past weekend - Barefoot Contessa made fish and chips with homemade tartar sauce - I'm going to make it this weekend. Looks ez and delicious!

Thank you for this update. I still long for the old halibut days, I guess, but Mac's still is a decent option for fish and chips in St. Paul, just not as good as the old days. Really, though, I'd rather get the fish fry at the Groveland Tap. Their fish is fantastic, though only available on Fridays and the fries are good, too.

My experience has been that every where in town is hit or miss with F&C in town. I have not tried Bihn Mihn ( sp?) on Portland and 60th, Has anyone else? My vote for worst in town goes to the Tailgate. The only reason I went was because some freinds had a coupon. SInce they have three kids I cut them slack and agreed. The server said she loved fish and that it was great. Lo and behold fish sticks and soggy fries. This is consistent with everything that came out of their kitchen. How do you screw up a grilled cheese? Really! I know it's off of the kids menu, but comeon!!